A By-Law to raise $70,000 for Schools received second reading. Appointed as the 1897 Free Library Board were Wm. Brown, G.W. Hobson, R.B. Ellis, W.D. Brydone-Jack, Wm Prentice, W.A. Wilson and Dr. Tunstall. Officer Coldwell was suspended one month without pay for being intoxicated while on duty.
This transcript was made in 2022 by Transcribimus volunteer Lynn Shane.
Illustration:City of Vancouver Archives CVA 677-237
Central School at Pender and Cambie – teacher Julie Eldridge class
Text source: City of Vancouver Series 31
Volume 7 pages 433 – 445
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[Volume 7 page] 433
Vancouver February 1st, 1897
The Council met on Monday February 1st ,1897
Present: His Worship, the Mayor and Aldermen Shaw, Painter, McQueen, Neelands, McPhaiden, Clandenning, Brown, MacDonald, Coldwell and McDonald.
The Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted.
Communications
From G.R. Maxwell, M.P., acknowledging receipt of resolution re railway to Kootenay.
Filed.
From W.F. Salsbury enclosing a copy of a telegram from W.R. Rush, stating that he would arrange re smelter matters on his return west.
Filed.
From J.P. Murray, Cripple Creek asking for information re smelter.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From H.A. Jones enclosing a copy of a letter received from J. Arthur Evan of London asking for information on smelter matters.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From John Clark asking for a bonus for the construction of a Marine Railway.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From W. Hepburn, Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council, asking the Council to investigate re the body found on Dr. McAlpine’s premises.
Referred to the Police Committee.
From W. Hepburn, Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council, asking that the contract for printing be given to a union office.
Filed.
From Coombs and Nash complaining about the Pound Keeper.
Referred to the Police Committee.
[Volume 7 page] 434
From R.E. Goswell, Statistician, Victoria asking the Council to subscribe for the Government Annual Year Book.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From W.E. Gower, Hon Secy. Canadian National Executive Committee, asking the Council to cooperate with other cities in getting up an address to Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From the Governor General, asking for aid for the famine sufferers in India.
Referred to the Finance Committee.
From the Chief of Police reporting on the electric lights.
Filed.
From A.B. Lyon et al asking for the opening up of a lane in Block 100 D.L. 196.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From the City Solicitor stating that the Street Railway Company were compelled to run their cars at least once in every 30 minutes.
Referred to the Railway Committee.
From John H. Kerr, asking for the free use of the Market Hall for Monday and Tuesday February 8th and 9th for a lecture in aid of the High School Library.
Moved by Alderman McQueen. Seconded by [Alderman] Neelands.
That the request be granted.
Moved in amendment by Alderman Shaw.
Seconded by Alderman W.S. Macdonald.
That the matter be left in the hands of the Mayor with power to act.
Amendment carried. Motion [lost] withdrawn.
From the City Solicitor stating that the City would not be responsible for any injuries received by persons from bricks falling from building but that the Council had power to pass By-Laws governing same.
Referred to the Board of Works.
[Volume 7 page] 435
From Winter Perkins etal asking for a sidewalk on 9th Av & Fir Streets.
Referred to the Board of Works.
From Albert [V.] Horner etal asking for an extension of the Water Works on 7th Av.
Referred to the Water committee.
From Geo. W. Hay etal asking for a foot-path across Granville Street Bridge.
Referred to the Board of Works.
The following Reports were received and read:
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on Friday January 29th.
Present: the full Board.
The minutes of last meeting were read, and adopted.
The following contracts were awarded:
Printing News. Advertiser
Binding G.A. Roedde
Wood P. Schneider
The following contracts were approved and authorized to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk and the Corporate Seal affixed thereto:
Sawdust: Meek and Seacome while the long haul lasts and that they be interviewed regarding the figures for the short haul.
Stationary Clark & Stuart
Groceries C.F. Foreman
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
The World P & P Co. Advertising $21.00
News. Advertiser Supplies 27.50
W.E. Johnstone Clerical work 60.00
Communications
From the School Board asking for $572.65 for the year and $700.00 for extraordinary expenses.
[Volume 7 page] 436
Resolved that the former request be laid over to be considered with the Estimates and that a By-Law be introduced to provide funds for the extraordinary expenses.
From M.C. McLean Secretary of the Vancouver Poultry Association asking for a grant of $50.00.
Resolved that the request be granted.
From the Free Library Board submitting Report for the year and furnishing Auditor’s Statement.
Resolved that the Report be received and that a vote of Thanks be extended to the Board for the able manner in which they have handled affairs during the year.
From Chas. Hill-Tout etal asking the Council to submit a By-Law to the ratepayers to provide funds for the establishment of a Public Library.
Filed.
From W.S. Dunlop etal asking that a grant of $500 be voted for the establishment of a Public Library on Mount Pleasant.
Laid over to be considered with the estimates.
Resolved that the Chairman and Alderman Brown be appointed to select a typewriter for the civic offices.
Sgd Jas McQueen
Chairman
Moved by Alderman McQueen.
Seconded by “ Painter
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
[Volume 7 page] 437
Board of Works
The Board of Works met on January 28th, 1897.
Present: the full Board.
Communications
From A. Parker re condition of Golden Gate Hotel Building and danger from falling bricks.
Resolved that the City Solicitor see what powers the City has to take action, and report.
From G.A. Roedde re book sign at edge of sidewalk in front of his book bindery.
Permission refused. Resolved that in future no signs be allowed to be erected by anyone at the edge of the sidewalks.
Resolved that Mr. A. Fraser 1321 Howe Street be notified to remove the small building obstructing the lane in rear of his premises. Lots 30 & 31. Block 111. D.L. 541.
From A.E. Beck asking for sewerage extension. Block 23. D.L. 185.
To be taken up with Estimates.
Resolved that notices be put up on the City float, foot of Gore Avenue notifying the public that the float is dangerous and that no steamers etc will be allowed to tie up to it or unload material on it.
Petition from A. Robinson and many others asking the Board to open up Raymur Avenue and Boundary Avenue from Hastings to Harris Streets.
Laid over pending estimates.
From the Health Inspector re necessity for a small piece of sewer, Lane in Block20. D.L. 196.
Resolved that the work be attended to by sewer men.
[Volume 7 page] 438
Mr. Blackmore, Architect, appeared before the Board on behalf of the owners re the steps of the Commercial Hotel which encroaches upon the lane.
Resolved that the owners of the building be ordered to have them removed from obstructing the lane on the earliest possible date.
Resolved that both the News. Advertiser, and World for 1897 be kept on file in the Enquiries office.
Resolved that the tenders be called up to noon on Thursday the 11th day of February 1897 for Hardware for the current year.
The following account was recommended for payment:
G. Thomas etal Labor 764.60
Sgd H.P. Shaw
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Coldwell
Seconded by “ Shaw
That the report be adopted.
Carried
Light, Railway & Tramway Committee
The Light, Railway & Tramway Committee met on Saturday January 30th, 1897.
Present: Alderman Clandenning, McQueen, Brown and McDonald.
The object of the meeting was to consider the locating of new street lights.
The Committee decided to go around on Tuesday evening at 8 P.M. to view the locations where it is proposed to erect the lights.
Sgd. James Clandenning
Chairman.
Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by. “ McQueen
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
[Volume 7 page] 439
Water and Market Committee
The Water and Market Committee met on Wednesday January 27th 1897.
Present: Aldermen Brown, Painter, Clandenning Neelands and D.G. Mcdonald.
Alderman Brown was appointed Chairman.
Communications
From the Secretary of the Poultry and Pet Stock Association asking for the use of the Market Shed for use as an exhibit place during the Exhibition.
Resolved that they be granted the use of the shed on condition that they have it cleaned out and ready for the Market on Saturday morning.
The Foreman’s Report on leaking pipes was received.
It was resolved that the water be not turned off for repairs until the plumbing inspector has given his certificate that the premises are properly plumbed and proof against frost.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
B.C. Ironworks Co Supplies $3.50
Robertson & Hackett “ 12.15
Clarke & Stuart “ 3.87
Wm Ralph “ 3.15
James Carnahan Scavengering 5.25
D.J. McPhalen Labor 5.33
W. Hooper etal “ 405.75
Sgd. Wm Brown
Chairman
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Painter
That the report be adopted
Carried.
[Volume 7 page] 440
Fire and Police
The Fire and Police met on Tuesday January 26th 1897.
Present: Alderman Coldwell, W.S. MacDonald, McPhaiden and McQueen.
Alderman Coldwell was appointed Chairman.
The following accounts were recommended for payment:
W. A. Cumyau Interpreting $4.50
J. Carnahan Scavengering 6.00
T. Curbishley Repairs .75
Chief of Police Fares 11.85
Wm Ralph Supplies 2.35
Clarke & Stuart “ 5.40
Hicks Bros. Hack hire 1.50
Davidson Bros. Supplies 18.55
K. Irige Interpreting 2.00
Resolved that the Police Magistrate be granted four weeks leave of absence and that he provide a substitute if required.
Resolved that the fees for Japanese and Chinese interpreters in the Police Court be fixed at $2.00 for each case.
Resolved that the Chairman and Jailer be authorized to purchase 15 pairs of blankets.
Resolved that the appointment of a cook for the jail be left in the hands of the Chairman.
Tenders for the supply of chemicals for the Fire Department were received from McDowell & Co. and Chas. Nelson
The Contract was awarded to McDowell & Co.
Tenders for feed were received from R. V. Palmer, Crowder & Penzer, Brackman and Ker and Fred Allen.
The contract was awarded to Brackman and Ker.
[Volume 7 page] 441
The Fire and Police Committee met again on Friday January 29th.
Present: the full Board.
The Chief of Police reported that he had suspended officer Coldwell for being intoxicated while on duty.
The officer acknowledged that the Chief’s statement was correct.
It was moved by Alderman MacDonald
Seconded by Alderman McPhaiden
That officer Coldwell be suspended from duty for one month, from the 27th day of January for being intoxicated while on duty and that his wages cease during that period by way of a fine for the offence and that a notice be posted in the Police Station warning all officers that if they are found under the influence of liquor while on duty that it will result in their immediate dismissal.
Carried.
Resolved that J. W. McIntosh be appointed to act as Police Court Clerk in addition to his duties as Police officer.
Resolved that J. H. Grady receive an increase of $10.00 per month after he has completed one year’s service.
Sgd C.A. Coldwell
Chairman
Moved by Alderman W.S. MacDonald
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That the Report be adopted.
Carried.
Motions
Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by “ D.G. McDonald
That your worship instruct the Railway Committee to interview the Can Ry Co to see what arrangements can be made re running service on 9th Av before definite action is taken.
Carried.
[Volume 7 page] 442
Moved by Alderman Neelands
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That Alderman Wm Brown be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board for 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Clandenning
Seconded by “ W.S. MacDonald
That G. W. Hobson be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board for 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Shaw
Seconded by. “ McQueen
That R. B. Ellis be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board for 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Coldwell
Seconded by “ McDonald D.G.
That Dr. W. D. Brydone- Jack be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board for 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman McPhaiden
Seconded by “ Clandenning
That Wm Prentice be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board for 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman W.S. McDonald
Seconded by. “ Neelands
That Robert Macpherson be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That W. A. Wilson be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Painter
Seconded by “ D.G McDonald
That J.M. Duval be named
[Volume 7 page] 443
As a Candidate for the Free Library Board 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by. “ D.G. McDonald
That Geo Walker be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board 1897.
Carried.
Moved by Alderman McQueen
Seconded by. “ Painter
That Dr. Tunstall be named as a Candidate for the Free Library Board 1897.
Carried.
On a ballot being taken the following received the highest vote and were declared elected: Viz Wm Brown, G.W. Hobson, R.B. Ellis, W.D. Brydon-Jack, Wm Prentice, W.A. Wilson and Dr. Tunstall.
Introduction of By-Laws
Moved by Alderman McQueen
Seconded by “ W.S. MacDonald
That the rules be suspended to allow of the introduction of a By-Law to raise $70,000 for School purposes.
Carried.
The By-Law was introduced and read a first time.Moved by Alderman W.S. MacDonald
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That the Rules be suspended to allow for the introduction of a By-Law to fix the polling places. The time etc on the above By-Law.
Carried.
The By-Law was accordingly read a first time.
[Volume 7 page] 444
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by “ McQueen
That the Rules be again suspended to allow of the Second reading of the By-Law to raise $70,000 for school purposes.
Carried.
The By-Law was accordingly read a second time.
Moved by Alderman W.S. MacDonald
Seconded by “ Neelands
That the Rules be again suspended to allow of the Second reading of the Polling By-Law.
Carried.
The By-law was accordingly read a second time.
Moved by Alderman Painter
Seconded by “ Coldwell
That the Council go into Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the above By-Laws.
Carried.
Alderman Brown was appointed Chairman.
The By-Laws were read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete.
Moved by Alderman Brown
Seconded by. “ Clandenning
That the Rules be again suspended to allow of the 3rd reading of the Polling By-Law.
Carried.
The By-Law was accordingly read a 3rd time.
Notice of Motion
Alderman McQueen gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would introduce a By-Law to amend the Fire Limit By-Law.
Alderman Brown gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would move that in the event of the City Council granting
[Volume7 page] 445
an appropriation for the payment of Aldermen it shall be a condition of said appropriation that a reduction of $ shall be made in the case of every Alderman who is absent from any meeting of the Council or of the Committees of which he is a member although he may have been granted leave of absence by the Council.
The Board then adjourned.
W. Templeton
Mayor
Thos F. McGuigan
City Clerk
